by Sherry Hamilton

The novel coronavirus COVID-19 is wreaking havoc on health care systems around the world, and officials are warning that extreme measures such as sheltering in place may be needed in areas with significant outbreaks to avoid overtaxing health care systems in the U.S.

Riverside Walter Reed Hospital, which recently underwent major renovations, is prepared to handle whatever challenges lie ahead, said hospital officials who spoke during a conference call on Tuesday.

“We are very well positioned to care for the community,” said Esther Desimini, president and administrator of the hospital.

The only hospital on the Middle Peninsula, RWRH has 12 intensive care rooms, along with another 10 rooms for people who are potentially contagious, said Desimini. There are 19 ventilators in-house to care for patients with severe respiratory illnesses, she said, and if necessary the hospital can call on the resources of the broader Riverside Health System. She said the loca...